brake light problems
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,948
Likes: 2,717
From: Virginia
Sounds like the turnsignal switch. The turnsignal uses the same part of the bulb and the same wiring as the brake light. So since the turnsignal works, that means the bulb and the wiring all the way to the rear are good. The brake and turn signals get mixed together at the turnsignal switch in the steering column.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,176
Likes: 4
From: Western Central NV
White turn signal switch in the steering column. Common problem on these Ford Trucks. I have bought aftermarket switches and they work but I suggest you do as I have done if you don't like changing them out is go to your local Ford dealer and buy a new OEM switch from them. They are a little more expensive but worth it IMO.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by breeze4820
John
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I had a similar problem caused by that turn signal switch in a 1970 Mustang. The suggestion to see what happens when activating the emergency flashers is IMHO a good one. WRT to that switch, in my case, it depended on the exact placement of the lever at any given time; one or two hairs in either direction and the problem with the brake lights would appear/disappear.
-chris
colorado, usa
-chris
colorado, usa
Trending Topics
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,948
Likes: 2,717
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by jowilker
I am getting fused, If his turn signal is working how can the switch be bad?
John
John
If you have a car or truck with rear amber turnsignals, then you do not have this mess, the turnsignals and the brakes have seperate bulbs and wires, and the turnsignal switch is a simple 3 position switch, and the brake lights are simply fed from the single brake switch on the pedal.
Last edited by Franklin2; Jan 14, 2008 at 09:05 AM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by Franklin2
The brake pedal light switch signal runs through the turnsignal switch. The turnsignal flasher signal also runs to the turnsignal switch. That is because the turnsignals and the brake signals both use the same wires and the same filament in the bulbs at the rear, so the turnsignal switch is a complicated mess of contacts that mixes these two signals together. It lets the brake signal through to both sides when the lever is in the center, and takes the brake signal off the side you move the lever to, and puts the flasher signal onto that side, while leaving the brake signal present on the other side(if you are turning and braking at the same time).
If you have a car or truck with rear amber turnsignals, then you do not have this mess, the turnsignals and the brakes have seperate bulbs and wires, and the turnsignal switch is a simple 3 position switch, and the brake lights are simply fed from the single brake switch on the pedal.
If you have a car or truck with rear amber turnsignals, then you do not have this mess, the turnsignals and the brakes have seperate bulbs and wires, and the turnsignal switch is a simple 3 position switch, and the brake lights are simply fed from the single brake switch on the pedal.
Originally Posted by breeze4820
Everything including the flashers work , The only thing that doesn't work is that brake light.
Originally Posted by jowilker
I am getting fused, If his turn signal is working how can the switch be bad?
John
John
John
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Niceville, FL.
Inside the turn switch there is a set of contacts (when the turn signal is not activated) that carries the power from the brake light switch (and/or hazard flasher) and routes it to the left brake/turn/hazard bulb. Another set of similar contacts for the right side. If only the left brake/hazard contact is bad all other functions still work.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Niceville, FL.
Best bet is some spray-on electrical contact cleaner. I get mine at Ace Hardware but any of the big box stores should have it. Spray in and work the switch several times. If that doesn't do it you'll likely have to get a new switch.